DIMENSION OF DEVELOPMENT

HEALTH AWARENESS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER, THE LEARNERS ARE
EXPECTED TO:
1. Name some common communicable and non-
communicable diseases:
2. Identify the causes and symptoms of the diseases; and
3. Enumerate and follow the preventive measures for these
diseases.

2
OVERVIEW
This chapter deals with some common communicable
and non- communicable diseases and their causes, symptoms,
and prevention.
The triangular model of a disease has three components:
AGENTS, HOST, and ENVIRONMENT. Disease occurs
when an external agent meets a susceptible host in an
environment that allows the agent and host to interact.

3
 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

▪ DENGUE – Is a febrile disease caused by

one of four closely related virus serotypes
of the genus flavivirus, family Flaviviridae.
Dengue is transmitted to humans by the
AEDES AEGYPTI mosquitos that are
found in the tropics. They tend to bite just
after dawn and just before sunset.
Incubation period is from 3 to 15 days.
4
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DENGUE

1. High fever
2. Severe headache and muscles
3. Joint pains
4. Myalgia and arthralgia
5. Rashes
6. Abdominal pain
7. Vomiting and gastritis
5
PREVENTION OF DENGUE

1. Avoid being bitten by the mosquitos

2. Use mosquito nets and insect repellent
3. Put screens on doors and windows.
4. Refrain from going outdoors after
dawn and before sunset
5. Remove stagnant water.

6
 MALARIA
Malaria is a vector- borne infectious
disease that is widespread in tropical
and subtropical regions including the
Philippines. It is caused by protozoan
parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The
most serious forms of the disease are
caused by Plasmodium Falciparum and
Plasmodium Vivax. Transmitted by female
Anopheles Mosquitos.
7
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA
The parasites multiply within the red blood cells
and cause anemia, high fever, chills, nausea,
headache, diarrhea, and in severe cases, coma and
death.
PREVENTION OF MALARIA
▪ Use a mosquito nets and insect repellent
▪ Spraying insecticides
▪ Draining standing water where mosquitos lay their
eggs.
8
 CHOLERA
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection
caused by ingestion of food or water
contaminated with the bacterium VIBRIO CHOLERAE.
Incubation period is less than one day to five days
(6 to 48 hours, but there are cases that last up to
seven days according to Hawker, et al.)
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF CHOLERA
▪ Aside from diarrhea, the patient may also
experience nausea, vomiting, fever, and muscle
clamps.
9
PREVENTION OF CHOLERA
▪ Wash hands with soap and water frequently
and thoroughly.
▪ Drink safe water only.
▪ Eat food that is completely cooked.
▪ Avoid raw food, street food and any food
from suspicious sources.
▪ Always observe proper hygiene and
sanitation
10
AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU)
It is an infection caused by Avian influenza
a virus found chiefly in birds, but infections can
occur in humans. Most cases infection in
humans could have resulted from direct contact
with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces.
H5N1 is a particularly deadly strain of bird flu
that can infect humans and other mammals.

11
 SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF AVIAN INFLUENZA
(BIRD FLU)
It includes fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle
aches. Some people may also experience
nausea, vomiting, pneumonia, diarrhea, and
other severe and life-threatening complications,
depending on which virus has caused the
infection.

12
PREVENTION OF AVIAN INFLUENZA
▪ Wash hands or used alcohol-based sanitizer.
▪ Stay away from farms and live animal markets.
▪ Cover mouth and nose when coughing or
sneezing.
▪ Cook chicken thoroughly. Do not eat raw eggs
▪ Avoid cross contamination. Do not use the same
utensils for both raw meat and other kinds of
foods.

13
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT SWINE FLU
▪ Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses.
▪ Swine flu may mutate, so that they are easily transmissible
among humans.
▪ The 2009 swine flu outbreak was due to the H1N1 virus and
was first observed in Mexico.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU
▪ Symptoms of swine flu to humans are Similar to
those of ordinary flu: fever, cough, sore throat,
runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills,
and fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting
and diarrhea.
14
 H1N1
It is a flu virus that is also known as the Swine
flu. Scientist call the H1N1 virus a “ quadruple
reassortant”virus because it contains two genes
found in flu viruses which circulate among
pigs and two genes found in flu viruses which
circulate among birds. The H1N1 virus is
passed from person to person just like other flu
strains. But not by eating pork.

15
PREVENTION OF H1N1
▪ The best way to avoid influenza infections is
through vaccination.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF H1N1 VACCINES.
▪ FLU SHOT: soreness, redness, minor swelling at
the shot site, muscles aches, low grade fever, and
nausea. These do not usually last for more than 24
hours.
▪ NASAL SPRAY: runny nose, low grade fever,
vomiting, head ache, wheezing, cough, and sore
throat.
16
 TYPHOID FEVER
Typhoid fever also known as typhoid, is an acute
illness most often caused by the salmonella typhi
bacteria or the salmonella paratyphi. the bacteria
are deposited in water or food by a human carrier
and are then spread through out the area. It s also
known through out the world as Gastric fever,
abdominal typhus, infantile remittent fever, slow
fever, nervous fever or pythogenic fever. It means
“resembling typhus”.

17
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF TYPHOID FEVER
1. Sustained high fever
2. Chest congestion
3. Abdominal pain
4. Poor appetite
5. Headache
6. Body aches
7. Lethargy
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF TYPHOID FEVER
8. Drinking safe water
9. Improving sanitation
10. Eating well cooked food
11. Washing hands often
12. Keeping the surroundings clean and neat.
13. Taking vaccines through injection and oral
18
 NON- COMMUNICABLE DISEASES:
HYPERTENSION
▪ Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by the
circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is
one of the body’s vital signs. Blood pressure consist
of two numbers: the SYSTOLIC PRESSURE( when
the heart beats) and the DIASTOLIC PRESSURE
( when the heart relaxes). The systolic pressure is
the number above the diastolic pressure.

19
NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE
▪ Blood pressure reading 120/80 or lower is considered
normal.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
▪ Blood pressure reading 140/ 90 or higher is
considered high. If one or both numbers are usually
high, you have high blood pressure or HYPERTENSION.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE
▪ Blood pressure that is too low is known as
HYPOTENSION.

20
High Blood Pressure Range
Systolic pressure (mmHg) Diastolic pressure (mmHg) Stages of High Blood Pressure

210 120 Stage 4

180 110 Stage 3
160 100 Stage 2
140 90 Stage 1

NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE

Systolic pressure (mmHg) Diastolic pressure (mmHg) Pressure Range
130 85 High normal blood pressure
120 80 Normal blood pressure
110 75 Low normal blood pressure

Low Blood Pressure Range

Systolic pressure (mmHg) Diastolic pressure (mmHg) Pressure Range
90 60 Borderline low blood pressure
60 40 Too low blood pressure
50 33 Dangerously low blood pressure

21
 For most people who are suffering from hypertension, there is
no obvious cause why their blood pressure is high. This condition is
called essential hypertension and it is especially important that their
blood pressure is kept under control.
Prevention of Hypertension
▪ Changing your diet and lifestyle can do much in managing blood
pressure:
▪ Quit smoking
▪ Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages
▪ Lose weight if you are overweight
▪ Exercise and eat well-balanced, nutritious meals that are low in fat,
salt, and cholesterol but high in fiber.

22
Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension
▪ General signs of high blood pressure include headache,
dizziness, pounding in ears, and nosebleed. These
symptoms typically do not occur until high blood pressure
has reached an advanced and even a possibly life-threating
stage.
Cardiovascular Disease
▪ High blood pressure increases the risk of coronary artery
disease, also called atherosclerosis. High blood pressure puts added
force against the artery wall. Over time this extra pressure can
damage the arteries. These injured arteries tend to become narrow
and hardened by fatty deposits. They block the flow of blood to the
heart and cannot deliver enough oxygen to the other parts of the
body.
23
Other causes of cardiovascular disease are as follows:
1. Smoking – cigarette smokers are at a greater risk than pipe and cigar smokers,
but all forms of tobacco are proven to be detrimental to the heart’s health.
2. Diabetes
3. Overweight
4. Diet high in saturated fat and salt
5. Family history – children of parents who developed heart disease before the age of
55 have a higher risk of developing heart disease.
6. Lack of exercise
7. Age – risk of heart disease increases over the age of 45 in males and over 55 in
females.
8. Too much drinking – people who take two alcoholic drinks per day are at risk.
9. High blood pressure
10. Having high cholesterol level
24
Heart Attack
A heart attack causes permanent damage to the heart
muscle due to loss of blood flow to the heart.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however,
most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain and
discomfort. Generally, heart attacks involve discomfort in
the center of the chest that lasts for than a few minutes or
that goes away and comes back. It can feel like
uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Shortness of breath may occur, as well as nausea or
lightheadedness. It is vital to get help immediately if any of
these symptoms occurs.
25
STROKE
The brain requires unobstructed blood flow to function.
Very high, sustained blood pressure will eventually cause
blood vessels to weaken. Over time, these weakened vessels
could break, and blood could leak into the brain. The area of
the brain that is being fed by these broken vessels start to
die, and this will cause a stroke. In addition, if a clot blocks a
narrowed artery, blood ceases to flow and a stroke will occur.
Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or
weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of
the body, confusion, trouble in speaking, poor vision and
sudden severe headache.
26
Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
Here are some tips on how o keep your heart healthy:
▪ Quit smoking
▪ Control diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol level
▪ Exercise regularly
▪ Eat a diet that is rich in fiber and low in salt and
saturated fat
▪ Maintain a healthy weight
▪ Manage stress
27
Diabetes
Diabetes, also referred to as diabetes mellitus, describes a
group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood
glucose or blood sugar, either because insulin production is
inadequate, or the cells in his/her body do not respond properly
to insulin, or both. Patients with high blood sugar will typically
experience frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst
(polydipsia), and increased appetite (polyphagia).
Diabetes is classed as a metabolism disorder. Metabolism
refers to the way the body uses digested food for energy and
growth. Most of what is eaten is broken down into glucose.
Glucose is a form of sugar in the blood. It is the principal source of
fuel for the body.
28
 Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
The body does not produce insulin. This type is
also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes,
juvenile diabetes, or early-onset diabetes. People
usually develop type 1 diabetes before their 40th year,
often in early adulthood or teenage years. Patients
with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections
for the rest of their life. They must also ensure proper
blood-glucose levels by carrying out regular blood
tests and following a special diet.
29
Type 2 Diabetes
The body does not produce enough insulin for proper
function, or the cells in the body do not react properly to
insulin (insulin resistance). Approximately 90% of all cases
of diabetes worldwide are of this type.
Some people may be able to control their type 2
diabetes by losing weight, following a healthy diet, doing
plenty of exercise, and monitoring their blood glucose
levels. However, type 2 diabetes is typically a progressive
disease. It gradually gets worse and the patient will
probably end up having to take insulin, usually in tablet
form.
30
Cancer
Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control
cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each
is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.
Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide
uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors
(except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal
blood function by abnormal cell division in the bloodstream).
Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and
circulatory systems and they can release hormones that alter body
functions. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited
growth are generally considered to be benign.

31
More dangerous or malignant tumors form
when two things occur:
1. A cancerous cell manages to move
throughout the body using the blood or
lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a
process called invasion.
2. A cancerous cell manages to divide and grow,
making new blood vessels to feed itself in a
process called angiogenesis.

32
▪ When a tumor successfully spreads to other
parts of the body and grows, invading and
destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have
metastasize. This proves itself is called
metastasis, and the result is a serious condition
that is very difficult to treat.
▪ Physicians and researchers who specialize in the
study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of
cancer are called oncologists.

33
Classification of Cancer:
There are five (5) broad groups of cancer, namely:
1. Carcinomas are characterized by cells that cover internal and external
parts of the body such as lung, breast, and colon.
2. Sarcomas are characterized by cells that are located in the bone,
cartilage, fat, connective tissue, muscle, and other supportive tissues.
3. Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes and immune
system tissues.
4. Leukemia are cancers that begin in the bone marrow and often
accumulate in the bloodstream.
5. Adenomas are cancers that arise in the thyroid, pituitary gland, adrenal
gland, and other glandular tissues.
34
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on
where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and
how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen
through the skin.
Other cancers have symptoms that are less
physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to manifest
early as they affect important cognitive functions.
Pancreas cancers are usually too small to produce
symptoms until they induce pain by pushing against
nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to bring
about a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice.
Symptoms can also appear as a tumor grows and pushes
against organs and blood vessels.

35
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
As cancer cells use the body’s energy and interfere
with normal hormone function, it is possible to cause
fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and
unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are
common in several other maladies as well.
When cancer spreads or metastasizes, additional
symptoms can be noted in the newly affected area.
Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely.
When cancer spreads to the brain, patients may
experience vertigo, headaches or seizures. In lungs,
cancers may cause coughing and shortness of breath. The
liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice; bones
become painful and brittle or break easily.

36
Prevention of Cancer
The following are essential measures to help prevent cancer:
1. Quit smoking and drinking to significantly lower the risk of
several types of cancer, most notable in the lung, throat,
mouth, and liver. The earlier you quit, the better.
2. Stay in the shade and protect yourself with a hat, shirt,
and sunscreen when under the sun, to prevent skin cancer.
3. Diet is an important part of cancer prevention since what
we eat has been linked to the disease. Follow
recommended diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh
fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

37
▪ A systematic screening will help detect
small irregularities or tumors as early as
possible even when there are no clear
symptoms yet.
▪ Breast self-examination, mammograms,
testicular self-examination, and pap
smears are common screening methods
for various cancers.

38
CONCLUSION
A person can only take proper precautions regarding
communicable and non-communicable diseases if he/she is
aware about them.
His/her familiarity with the said diseases will enable
him/her to adopt certain lifestyle modifications, like
avoidance of alcoholic beverages, to avoid diseases and stay
healthy as he/she performs his/her various functions in life.
Health is wealth and a person’s good health is crucial to
his/her being a successful person who has the opportunity
to maximize his/her potentials in order to achieve all his/her
goals in life.
39
40